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  Hoops, Scroll Bars and Such
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First, the traditional rule--stitch on Aida using a hoop and stitch on linen
"in the hand".

In actual practice, people do whatever works best for them.  Most who like
their fabric taut _do_ tend to avoid hoops in favor of scroll bars or
stretcher bars when working on linen, as hoops may damage the fabric.

See section "2.5 Hoop or Hand?" for the "in-a-hoop vs. in-the-hand" debate.
The discussion in this section assumes that you _have_ decided to use a hoop
or the like.

TIP--Put your project in the hoop or bars backwards.  This prevents the front
of the design from touching anything when the bars are set down.  It also
provides more room on the back of the project for ending threads.


Stands
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Most of the following items may be used with a stand.  Some people like the
stands, as they can then do "two handed" stitching.  This is a method where
one hand is always above the cloth and the other is always below.  People who
have trouble holding projects for long periods of time also may find stands
useful--they help avoid or reduce effects from tendonitis, arthritis and
cramping.

There are lap frames which straddle the lap of the stitcher.  The bigger
stands are floor models and may take up a great deal of space.  Some of them
come with chart holders, lamp holders and even magazine racks.

One side benefit is that stands are usually in plain view with the current
project highly visible, ready to be complimented and begging to be worked on.
People with cats may find that felines appreciate stands too, to the sorrow of
the stitcher.


Hoops
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Standard hoops are made of wood or plastic.  They are inexpensive and widely
available.  While most are circular, there are some oval shaped ones.  A
variation on the hoop consists of a plastic outer ring and a metal inner
spring/ring.

Common complaints about hoops:
   ~ Having to move the hoop as stitching progresses can be a nuisance.
   ~ A hoop placed over existing stitches may distort them.
   ~ Marks, stains or creases may be left in the fabric.

Make sure your hoops are clean.  Plastic hoops can be washed in the
dishwasher.

Remove the hoop when you are not working.


Scroll Bars
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A set of scroll bars consists of two wooden scroll bars and two spacers.  The
fabric is attached to the scroll bars (which look like dowel rods).  The
spacers hold the scroll bars apart.  They may be attached with wing nuts
(cheaper) or with wooden knobs (more expensive).

There are several methods for attaching the fabric.  A bar may have a strip of
heavy-duty material stapled to it.  The fabric for the project is then basted
on, using a strong thread such as quilting or carpet thread.  Another style
has a slit in the bar into which the edge of the fabric is placed.  A third
style uses a groove in the bar and a tube or rod to hold the fabric in the
groove.

Scroll rods and spacer bars are available in many sizes.  Select a scroll rod
size that is slightly wider than your fabric.  Any fabric longer than the
spacer bars is rolled up onto the scroll rods.

Much more of the project is "in-range" than with a hoop.  Tension is not even
in the horizontal and vertical directions, but this isn't too noticeable if
the scroll tension is kept very tight.

It is possible to purchase a basic set of scroll bars quite cheaply, so you
can experiment and see if you like them.

Suggestions--Mark the center of the scroll rod, to make it easier to center
the fabric.  When attaching the fabric to the scroll rod, work from the center
and work out to the edges.


Q-Snaps
-------
Q-Snaps (also called Q-frames) are a recent development.  They consist of four
pieces of white PVC plastic pipe, about 1" in diameter, which are joined at
the corners to form a square or rectangle.  The fabric is held onto each side
by a shell of PVC plastic which snaps down over the pipe.

Q-Snaps are sold in packages of four sides, in lengths of 8 inches, 11 inches
and 17 inches.  They are then assembled by the user to form, for example, an
8x11 inch rectangle.

People who use them like their versatility.  The fabric creases caused by
hoops doesn't seem to occur.  The tension is even in both the vertical and
horizontal directions, unlike scroll bars.


Stretcher Bars
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Stretcher bars are made of wood.  They are sold in packages of two sides.  I
have seen them in lengths from 4"-40".  The sides are assembled to form a
square or rectangle.

With stretcher bars, the entire project area is visible at all times.  Some
people prefer to use stretcher bars only with stiffer fabrics, such as canvas,
but other stitchers like them even for soft linens/evenweaves.

The edges of the fabric should be prepared in some way to make them stronger
and to stop them from fraying.  Basting, hemming or binding tape are
recommended by different people.  The fabric is then attached to the frame
with quilting tacks or staples.  Start at the center of each side and work out
to the edges.  The fabric should be taut, but not distorted.  The tension is
even in both the vertical and horizontal directions, unlike scroll bars.

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